Watches And Wonders 2025: Montblanc Unveils The 1858 Geosphere Annual Calendar Limited Edition With A Brand-New Minerva Movement
3 min read
When tradition meets innovation, the result is something extraordinary. Montblanc proves this once again with the debut of two breathtaking 1858 Geosphere Annual Calendar Limited Editions at the Watches and Wonders 2025 - each powered by an all-new Minerva manufacture movement that blends haute horlogerie craftsmanship with practical, everyday elegance.
For the first time in Minerva’s storied history, the movement features an annual calendar, complete with a large date and worldtimer function, all wrapped in a design that pays homage to the golden age of watchmaking. Limited to just 30 pieces in 18K Lime Gold and 100 in stainless steel, these timepieces are as exclusive as they are exquisite.
A Movement Worthy Of Minerva’s Legacy
At the heart of these watches lies the new manually wound Minerva Caliber MB 29.26, a 336-part masterpiece finished with Côtes de Genève and a rare snail motif, a nod to traditional craftsmanship rarely seen in modern watches. With a 65-hour power reserve, this movement doesn’t just keep time, it tells a story of precision, heritage and artistry, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
The Annual Calendar: Practical And Poetic
The large date at 12 o’clock, positioned just above Montblanc’s historic logo, is both bold and balanced, easily adjustable via a corrector at 2 o’clock. But the real charm lies in the month indicator - a red arrow sweeping along the dial’s periphery, pointing to each month with effortless clarity. This arrow isn’t just functional, it’s a symbol of Minerva herself, the Roman goddess of craftsmanship, whose spear-tipped arrow became the brand’s signature in 1887. In a delightful twist, July is replaced with “Minerva,” honoring the exact date (July 30, 1887) when the Minerva trademark was registered.
A Hand-Painted World On Your Wrist
The star of the show in the 1858 Geosphere Annual Calendar Limited Editions is the hand-painted Northern Hemisphere globe that’s meticulously crafted from sapphire crystal and rotating to display day and night zones. Each globe takes four hours to paint by a Swiss artisan, with the Greenwich Mean Time line highlighted in orange for instant readability. Buyers have the option to choose the Southern Hemisphere as well based on their geographical location.
Two Limited Editions, One Timeless Aesthetic
Inspired by 1950s Minerva classics, these watches exude vintage charm with modern sophistication. Buyers can choose between the 18K lime gold case version or get their hands on the stainless-steel model. They are limited to 30 pieces and 100 pieces respectively. The fluted bezel, first introduced in 1927, remains a signature of Minerva’s heritage and is now reimagined for the modern collectors.
Final Thoughts: A Collector’s Dream
The latest 1858 Geosphere Annual Calendar Limited Edition watches introduced by Montblanc at Watches and Wonders 2025 blend Minerva’s legendary craftsmanship with Montblanc’s bold vision. With only 130 pieces available worldwide, the 1858 Geosphere Annual Calendar Limited Editions are destined to become instant classics.
